Professor the Lord Trees has welcomed the UK’s ninth vet school as a “timely and bold” initiative at a House of Lords reception.
Academics and professionals from across the profession gathered at the Harper and Keele University Reception in Westminster on Tuesday 23 July for the formal introduction of the new academic institution, the plans for which were revealed in May 2018.
Very welcome
Addressing the assembled guests, Prof Trees said: “It’s a great pleasure to host this event on behalf of my good friend Jonathan Wastling, pro vice-chancellor and executive dean of the faculty of natural sciences at Keele University, and introduce the ninth veterinary school in the UK, a joint venture between Harper Adams and Keele, due to admit its first students next year.
“It’s a very timely event because in the UK there’s been a huge expansion of demand for veterinary surgeons in the past 30 to 40 years, and supply from our own UK schools hasn’t been able to keep up with demand.
“We have compensated for that by importing veterinary surgeons from EU schools, and in the future, it might not be as easy for us to bring veterinary surgeons from Europe, which could be an issue in certain areas… so this new initiative from Harper and Keele is very welcome and timely.”
Better together
Prof Wastling thanked those who had supported the initiative, stating: “The external and internal pressures facing the veterinary industry and education are better faced together, as it’s a small community that has a huge responsibility to the nation.
“Both Keele and Harper would like to thank all colleagues who have helped and supported the development of this project over the past two years, and we extend our deeps thanks to Lord Trees for hosting the event.”